Tips, Short-cut... | Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!:

If the middle sum is 10 or more (like 87 x 11), just carry the "1" to the first digit! 3. The "Doubling and Halving" Method

Use physical items like LEGO bricks or Cheerios to show why doubling and halving works. Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!: Tips, Short-cut...

Take the first digit and multiply it by the "next" number up. 65 x 65 The end is 25 . The first digit is 6. The next number up is 7. Put them together: 4,225 . How to Make it "Irresistible" If the middle sum is 10 or more

Round one number to the nearest ten to make it "friendly," solve the problem, and then adjust. Example: For 38 + 25 , turn 38 into 40 (by adding 2). The Math: . Now, take away that extra 2 you added earlier. Take the first digit and multiply it by the "next" number up

Most kids struggle with numbers that require "carrying" or "borrowing." Friendly numbers make those problems disappear.

Give the kid the "trick" and give yourself a calculator. Race to see who gets the answer first. (Let them win!)